According to a Patch report by **Josh Bakan**, the **BookSmiles Book Bank** in Cherry Hill is working to get more books into the hands of children by removing barriers to access and giving donated stories a second life. The effort centers on collecting and redistributing books so that children, especially those who may not have many books at home, can build their own personal libraries.
The article highlights how the Cherry Hill-based nonprofit has created a system for taking in donated books, sorting them, and sending them back out to schools, educators, and community organizations that serve young readers. By doing that, BookSmiles helps expand access to reading materials while also keeping usable books in circulation rather than letting them go to waste.
The story emphasizes the broader importance of book ownership for children and how access to books can support literacy, learning, and enthusiasm for reading. Through its work in Cherry Hill and beyond, the organization aims to make reading more reachable for families and students who might otherwise face obstacles in obtaining age-appropriate books.
Patch’s coverage presents the Book Bank as both a literacy initiative and a community-driven reuse effort, with volunteers and donations playing a key role in the nonprofit’s mission. The project reflects a practical way to connect surplus books with children who need them, helping stories find new readers and new purpose.
Source: Josh Bakan, Patch
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https://patch.com/new-jersey/cherryhill/book-bank-breaks-barriers-brings-new-life-stories-cherry-hill-children
